What kind of riding do you do?
We are a competitive english riding barn with riders in Hunter, Jumper, Equitation (including IEA Hunt Seat team) and Dressage disciplines. Our horses and riders are all engaged in lessons and training in these areas. We do not have the resources to accept riders and horses in other disciplines.
Do you offer trail rides, birthday parties or other ‘day trip’ type riding?
No, we only offer regular lessons and training in a tuition based, athletic sports program. While we do offer long term lease agreements for clients in the lesson program, we do not “rent” out horses.
Can I come and visit the barn?
We would love to show you around our facility! Please contact us to set up an appointment for a barn tour. Due to our busy lesson schedule and locked gates for the safety of our horses, we cannot accept ‘drop in’ visits.
How do we get started? How much will it cost for lessons?
We ask that interested parties schedule a visit where we can sit down and find a time that works for you, our horses and an instructor to start lessons.
BEGINNERS
All of our beginners start in private one-on-one lessons with an instructor. We offer, monthly rates starting at $250 a month where their spot is guaranteed. This includes one lesson per week for the whole month.
Rates include the use of the show quality Riding Academy horse or pony, it’s saddle, bridle and girth, and your instruction time.
RIDERS WITH EXPERIENCE
We ask that riders interested in moving into our program join us for an evaluation ride so that we may discuss and individualized lesson plan with you to achieve your goals. Riders with experience have the option of private and group lessons and if they own or lease a horse.
Do I need to have my own horse?
Our barn can provide wonderful lesson ponies and horses for beginners through intermediate riders jumping up to 2′. As you advance past that level, you will need to discuss partial or full lease, or purchase options to continue your training into more competitive heights. This keeps our lesson horses from being overworked and allows you maintain consistency in your mount, have a horse available to practice with outside of lessons, and learn about the responsibilities of maintaining an equine athlete for upper level jumping.
What equipment will a beginner rider need and where do I get it?
We ask that all riders wear long pants and boots with a 1 inch heel for safety reasons. Riding pants (jodphurs for kids, and breeches for teens and adults) are preferred, but leggings or other relatively stretchy and form fitting pants are acceptable. Shirts need to have a short or long sleeve (no tank tops) and should be tucked in.
There are a couple of tack shops in Houston, including Charlotte’s saddlery and Dover saddlery, and plenty of online resources. One of our favorites is SmartPak Equine.